On Sunday in Hong Kong, New Zealand’s Ben Campbell drained a 10-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole to claim a one-shot victory over Aussie Cameron Smith (68) at the Hong Kong Open.

Campbell carded a 4-under 66 on Sunday to reach 19 under one clear of Smith.

“I was battling away all day,” said Campbell, who became the first player to win this tournament since its return from a four-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “I didn’t get off to the best of starts and the swing wasn’t feeling that great.”

Overnight leader Phachara Khongwatmai of Thailand posted a 69 to finish T3 alongside Canada’s Richard T. Lee at 17 under.

Campbell, Smith and Phachara were locked in a three-way tie heading into the 18th hole. But Campbell emerged with his first career Asian Tour victory after Smith and Phachara both missed birdie putts.

“It’s good to finally get the monkey off the back,” Campbell said.

Smith said he was disappointed with his weekend performance.

“Pretty poor over the weekend I guess, but I hung in there, so lots of positives,” said LIV Golf star Smith, the 2022 Open winner. “Definitely wasn’t the nicest golf to be played over last couple of days — still lots to work on.”

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